This week’s news in brief
Workplace stress
The majority of British businesses are reporting a drop in productivity as a
result of workplace stress. A study of 100 employees, by Croner Consulting,
shows that 65 per cent of senior managers have reported staff complaining of
stress in recent months, with 56 per cent admitting it was affecting their
productivity. www.cronerconsulting.co.uk
Firefighter Bill passed
A Bill that allows the Government to impose a pay settlement to end the
firefighters’ dispute has passed through the House of Commons. The Bill will
revive arbitration powers repealed in 1959, and give deputy prime minister John
Prescott control over fire stations and equipment. www.number-10.gov.uk
Staff e-mail guidance
The much-delayed Government guidance on employers’ rights to access staff
e-mails will be published this week. The Information Commission’s code on
monitoring will outline employer responsibilities when handling staff
information under the Data Protection Act 1998. www.dataprotection.gov.uk
See next week’s issue for a full interview with Information Commissioner
Richard Thomas
Road to recovery?
The worst may be over for UK manufacturing, according to the Engineering
Employers Federation (EEF). The EEF’s Engineering Outlook survey for the second
quarter shows a glint of recovery. www.eef.org.uk
Dangers on site
UK building sites are still too dangerous, according to the TUC. The DTI’s
Construction Industry’s Key Performance Indicators show safety is improving,
but the TUC says more work is needed. Eighty-five people were killed last year
in construction and more than 4,860 were seriously injured. www.tuc.org.uk
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